TejRan - Arranged Love

🔅CHAPTER 40🔅

Hello everyone. I'm back with the 40th chapter. Happy reading 📖😊.

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The rain had stopped, the air still damp and cool as Tejasswi and Karan finally made their way back to the haveli. The night was quiet, most of the village asleep, and they thought they could sneak in unnoticed.

The old wooden door creaked softly as Tejasswi pushed it open, tiptoeing in with Karan right behind her. Both were dripping wet, their clothes sticking to their skin, their hair messy — signs of a long night.

Just when they thought they were safe, click! — the lights in the hall switched on.

Tejasswi froze. Karan winced.

In front of them stood Namish and Ranbir, arms crossed, eyes narrowing like strict brothers. Harsh was at the switchboard, grinning sheepishly, clearly the one who had exposed them.

Behind him, Aneri, Aditi, and Prachi peeked with wide smirks plastered on their faces. Vikram was lazily seated on the couch, enjoying the show like he had front-row seats to some drama.

And worst of all — the elders were there too. Pragya, Abhishek, Akshara, Naitik, and Namish’s parents, all staring at them with curious, raised brows.

Namish broke the silence first, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Finally, the lovebirds return. So… where were you both? And most importantly—” he extended his palm expectantly, “—where is my scooter?”

Tejasswi, still catching her breath from the tension, flashed her innocent smile. “The rain was too heavy, yaar. So… we stayed at the house near the river.”

Ranbir’s eyes widened. “You mean… Dadu’s old house?”

Tejasswi nodded casually.

Karan’s head snapped toward her, his eyes almost popping out. “That was your Dadu’s house?!”

She turned to him, suppressing her giggle.
“Yes, of course. Otherwise, how do you think I brought you there?”

Karan ran a hand down his face. “I—I thought it was some random abandoned house.”

Tejasswi smirked. “It is abandoned, but still in our rights.”

Karan leaned closer, whispering, his voice half-teasing, half-accusing. “Wait… was all of that preplanned?”

She gave him a mischievous smile. “Kind of… but the rain…” she brushed her wet hair back, eyes sparkling, “…the rain was an uninvited beautiful gift to our beautiful togetherness.”

And with that, she winked at him.

Karan’s cheeks flushed pink instantly, and he looked away before anyone could catch his blush.

Namish loudly cleared his throat, pulling them back to reality. “Ahemm! Hello? We are still here. Where is my scooter, Teju?”

“Oh!” Tejasswi quickly dug into her wet saree pleats, pulling out the keys. She plopped them into his palm.

“It’s outside, safe and sound. See? In good condition. Thank you for lending it to me, yaar.” She grinned, pushing his hand away. “And anyway, why are you all still awake? Go, go! Sleep! We have a wedding tomorrow!”

Before anyone could fire more questions, she bolted down the corridor, vanishing into her room.

Now all eyes fell on Karan. He blinked, shifting awkwardly under their stares.

“Uhmmm…” he cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck, “Haah… Teju… is calling me. Yes, yes, she’s calling me.” He faked a cough. “See you all tomorrow morning. Good night!”